Monday, September 12, 2011

Whose Bright Idea Was This? Ryan Seacrest To Take Over VH1 Soul?

Fans of VH1 Soul (like myself) will be SHOCKED to learn that Ryan Seacrest is in talks to take over the fledgling network, home to videos by some of real R&B's finest like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Maxwell. Deets inside......

Hopefully he learned a thing or two about soul music from Randy Jackson because, according to reports, "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest may soon control the content of the soul music oriented VH1 Soul network. The channel has been yanked from several markets already over the past year or so, but is still very much a part of the VH1 and Viacom family. And it's arguable the only music channel STILL playing music--and not just reality-show-ridden. And it's really GOOD music at that.

The E! News producer, who already has his creations the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" franchise and "On Air With Ryan Seacrest" under his belt, has been in talks with partner AEG to seal the deal.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ryan and AEG hope to acquire the Viacom owned network as part of Ryan's expanding media portfolio. But don't expect him to be plastered all over the network.

He recently said that any deal he makes won't result in "a Ryan Seacrest channel." He continued,

"It will not be branded with my name or my face, which many people will be happy about."

Well that's a relief. But I can't help but imagine what types of changes are in store for the network. It's not like soul music lovers have options when it comes to finding videos that don't include cameos by Waka Flocka and Lil' Wayne and co. Sigh....